Part of a series of eight documentaries I made looking at the role of green spaces in the city of Leeds. A legacy of Victorian times, the parks, fields, woodlands and countryside of Leeds and the surrounding areas continue to provide a welcome escape from the bustling city.

Leeds is apparently the greenest city in the UK having more green areas than any other city, these documentaries are a snapshot of how city communities engage with the natural spaces around them and how these spaces still contribute to the health and well-being of society. From traditional city parks – Roundhay Park, Woodhouse Moor, Meanwood Park – to community nature projects such as Skelton Grange and Holdforth Court. From green competitions such as ‘Beeston In Bloom’ to environmental action in schools ‘Your Climate Your Call’ and progressive philosophies on the natural world ‘Permaculture’ – These documentaries show how green spaces continue to connect communities and individuals to the natural world and how they empower those communities to have a positive effect on the city around them.

 These films and the message they contain formed  a huge moving image installation in the newly refurbished central arena of Leeds City Museum (Millennium Square) – the exhibition ran for a year and brought Leeds’ beautiful green spaces indoors – right to the heart of the city. Hundreds of thousands of visitors to Leeds witnessed the exhibition over the course of the year and I hear from museum staff that it was one of the most successful exhibitions they have ever hosted. Thanks Leeds Museums and Galleries!

I liaised with many community organisations and individuals in the production of these films all were very helpful, enthusiastic and clearly proud of their geeen city – Leeds.

With thanks to: St. Anne’s Community Services, Beeston in Bloom, BTCV, Groundwork, Clarkes Field Allotments, Mariners Resource Centre, Armley Common Rights Trust, Charlie Cake ParkVolunteers, LCC Parks & Countryside, Permaculture Society.